While the takeoff offers Appalachian ridge scenery, the landing approach provides superior visual drama with Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline—two of the most distinctive landmarks on this route. The landing view is more memorable and visually striking.
Flown TRI to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Blountville to Chicago is 481 miles (773 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Ohio River valley (visible during westbound cruise over southern Ohio), Cincinnati metropolitan area (if routed via that corridor), the transition from Appalachian terrain to the flatter glaciated plains of Indiana and Illinois, scattered lakes and reservoirs across Indiana, the gradual lowering of terrain elevation westbound toward the Lake Michigan basin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from TRI
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Holston River valley and the ridge lines of the Appalachian foothills as the aircraft climbs northwest out of Tri-Cities. Right side faces toward lower terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago metropolitan area during the final approach from the northeast. The lake's expanse and the city grid are far more visually distinctive than the inland approach corridor on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport (TRI) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Blountville to Chicago. While the takeoff offers Appalachian ridge scenery, the landing approach provides superior visual drama with Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline—two of the most distinctive landmarks on this route. The landing view is more memorable and visually striking.
What can I see during takeoff from Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport in Blountville?
During takeoff from Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport (TRI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Holston River valley and the ridge lines of the Appalachian foothills as the aircraft climbs northwest out of Tri-Cities. Right side faces toward lower terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb. Notable sights include: Holston River (winding through the valley directly below), Clinch Mountain (ridge visible to the north), Watauga River confluence, foothills of the southern Appalachian chain.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago metropolitan area during the final approach from the northeast. The lake's expanse and the city grid are far more visually distinctive than the inland approach corridor on the left. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (vast blue expanse), Chicago skyline and downtown core, Illinois shoreline with breakwaters and harbors, suburban grid extending inland.
How long is the flight from Blountville to Chicago?
The flight from Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport (TRI) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 481 miles (773 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Blountville to Chicago flight path pass over?
Ohio River valley (visible during westbound cruise over southern Ohio), Cincinnati metropolitan area (if routed via that corridor), the transition from Appalachian terrain to the flatter glaciated plains of Indiana and Illinois, scattered lakes and reservoirs across Indiana, the gradual lowering of terrain elevation westbound toward the Lake Michigan basin